Around the Grounds with Bennett
Written by Bennett O Dowling, 577 Organic Landscape Horticulturist
Bulb Season is Here! It’s officially fall, which means it’s time to dig in and get those spring-flowering bulbs planted.
Every fall, I don’t look forward to this task; when finished, the bed looks the same as before and there isn’t that sense of reward that comes from more noticeable projects like planting a new garden or cleaning up a perennial bed. However, as the days get longer in late winter and early spring, I thank myself for undertaking this tedious fall project.
There are few gardening activities as hopeful as planting bulbs, and nothing so encouraging as the sight of their green leaves poking through the soil as winter wanes.
In our climate, September through November is considered the prime bulb-planting season for spring flowering bulbs. However, since our soil and weather doesn’t tend to cool down enough in September, I typically wait until October to begin planting, with plantings continuing into November.
Horticulturist Tip: Planting too early can encourage bulbs to sprout instead of setting strong roots, while planting too late may not give roots enough time to establish before the ground freezes. I aim to finish by mid-November and, for any bulbs planted later, I make sure to add extra mulch to insulate the soil and keep it from freezing too quickly.
With September being particularly dry this year, the soil is showing it. After planting your bulbs, it is important to water them in well and continue watering once a week if the dry weather continues. Also, be sure to clean up debris from bulb planting to avoid alerting the squirrels to the presence of tasty treats. If you are planting bulbs that rodents desire, such as tulips, consider pinning chicken wire or thick plastic netting over the soil surface. Spread a few inches of mulch or dried leaves on top of the planted area to further preserve moisture and insulate your bulbs from temperature fluctuations.
Although we often associate the word ‘bulbs’ with daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, there are countless species of spring-flowering bulbs that thrive in our climate. Many reside here at 577 and garner as many questions as compliments.
Curious to learn more about the great diversity of bulbs available? Join us for our program ‘Flowering Bulbs You Need to Know’ on Tuesday, October 29, from 6pm to 8pm. We will discuss many great bulb options and best practices for growing and caring for your bulbs. Bring your bulb questions and I will do my best to make you feel prepared to create a stunning spring display! Whether you’re looking for bright bursts of color, unique shapes, or varieties that will naturalize and multiply year after year, there’s a bulb (or several) perfect for your garden.
Click HERE to learn more and register!
